Chinese car manufacturer Qoros will launch new models in Europe later this year

Qoros Auto Co. is a new joint venture between Chery Automobile, the Chinese state-owned car manufacturer, and Israel Corporation, an Israeli holding company. The company was founded in 2007 and its first cars will go on sale later this year.

Among the development team are former BMW, GM, Jaguar Land Rover, Volkswagen and Volvo employees; the executive director of design is Gert Volker Hildebrand, formerly head of design for Mini.

Three closely related cars will be on show at Geneva: the 3 Sedan production model and two "concept studies" - the 3 Cross Hybrid Concept and 3 Estate Concept Versatile.

The three cars are all but identical from the central pillar forward, with only minor differences in their front grilles and bumpers.

The 3 Sedan is a compact saloon that's a similar size to the Volkswagen Jetta; the Cross Hybrid appears to be a Nissan Qashqai rival, with a raised ride height, SUV-style body cladding and conventional hatchback rear styling.

The Estate Concept Versatile looks like a straightforward (if comparatively sleek) load-lugging version of the 3 Sedan.

At launch the 3 Sedan will be available with 125- or 154bhp 1.6-litre, four-cylinder petrol engines. A six-speed manual gearbox is standard, and a six-speed dual-clutch transmission will be an option.

A turbocharged 1.2-litre, three-cylinder petrol unit - available with an optional seven-speed dual-clutch transmission - will join the range at a later date.

Qoros says the 3 Sedan has been engineered to "achieve top scores in European crash tests", and that all versions will have front, side and curtain airbags.

Standard equipment will include air-conditioning, four electric windows and a touch-screen entertainment system.

Although Qoros will sell its cars in Europe, right-hand drive production is yet to be confirmed. Prices aren't been confirmed, either, although sources suggest that Qoros won't be marketed as a budget brand.